Support for business

Businesses will be able to benefit from advice and support from Scottish organisations operating in London, thanks to a £30,000 boost for the Scottish Business Network.

The Network was established last year to bring together the experience, expertise and connections of the Scottish business community in London, to help targeted Scottish companies develop and grow.

The grant from the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise will see the Network expand its work in London, supporting even more Scottish companies as they seek to make the London connections which will drive their international growth plans.

The funding comes ahead of tonight’s meeting of the Scottish Business Network where three Scottish companies, Lingo24, Red Evolution and Kokm, will ‘pitch to’ and receive advice from an audience of more than 50 Scottish business leaders based in London.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said:

“With a membership of more than 200, the Scottish Business Network in London has gone from strength to strength in its first year.

“The Scottish Government, along with our enterprise agencies, is doing all it can to drive sustainable economic growth. This work is particularly important at a time when the threat of a ‘hard Brexit’ is hanging over our economies.

“We know Scotland remains an attractive place to do business, which is why I am pleased to support the next stage of the Network’s development with £30,000 to help it grow in London for the benefit of Scottish entrepreneurs and businesses.”

Russell Dalgleish from the Scottish Business Network said:

"This support from Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise will allow us to accelerate our plans for London and emphasises the coordinated and collaborative approach that Scotland can take. The sole purpose of the network is to support and promote Scottish businesses and to assist them secure new opportunities in London through the support of our members, who represent the full cross section of the London business community, and joined up working with Scottish Enterprise and the GlobalScot network."

Scottish entrepreneur Christian Arno from Lingo24 said:

"I'm really excited to be representing Lingo24 at the Scottish Business Network event. It is just the type of opportunity we need to build relationships with the Scottish diaspora as we scale up our enterprise-level client, globally-oriented client base which includes Adidas, Lush and the Edrington Group. Our focus has shifted from delivering translations remotely to using deep relationships and technology to help global players scale internationally, and the relationship element of this cannot be overstated.”

Mark Hallan, director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Scottish Enterprise said:

“Connecting Scottish companies to national and international networks is vital to drive international growth and ambition. London is one of Scotland's most important trading markets and we are committed to furthering collaboration with partners and organisations in London; a move which will directly benefit the Scottish economy via new partnerships, alliances and investment.

“We look forward to working with the Scottish Business Network, to connect even more Scottish businesses with opportunities and influencers in London and help them achieve their international growth ambitions.”